Old Town Hall, Cobh

The Old Town Hall, originally built as the Cork Harbour Commissioners' Office in 1874, has played an essential role in the town’s civic and maritime history. Later serving as the Urban District Council Office, this distinctive Italianate-style building stands as a testament to the development of Cobh and the greater Cork Harbour area. Its long, low villa-like form, accentuated by decorative render details, gives it a stately yet elegant appearance. A notable feature of the structure is its lighthouse-like tower, which rises above the building, serving as a recognizable local landmark and a reminder of Cobh’s deep connection to its maritime past.

Architecturally, the Old Town Hall showcases a refined design with a hipped slate roof, rendered chimneystacks, and bracketed eaves that add to its decorative appeal. The exterior walls feature channel rusticated quoins and a plinth course, reinforcing its classical character. The round-headed windows are framed by Doric-style pilasters and adorned with render hood mouldings, further emphasizing the building’s architectural sophistication. The main entrance, similarly detailed, includes an overlight above the doorway, enhancing the symmetry of the façade. A set of cast-iron railings marks the entrance, adding a historic charm to the structure.

The three-stage tower is a defining element of the building, with each stage showcasing unique architectural details. The first stage is marked by channel rusticated walls, while the second stage features a recessed square-headed panel with a pointed arch window. The third stage, crowned by a tripartite round-headed opening, houses clocks that add both functionality and visual interest to the structure.

Today the building is occupied by Wan Fu Chinese Restaurant.